Financial Crime World

Law Enforcement in Bhutan

Overview

Law enforcement in Bhutan faces several challenges, including addiction, tobacco smuggling, and terrorism. Despite these issues, the country has taken significant steps to address them.

Addiction

  • Social Stigma: Addiction is a social stigma in Bhutan.
  • Government Measures: The Government of Bhutan has enacted laws such as the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Substance Abuse Act (2005) to counter addiction.
  • Tobacco Ban: In 2004, selling tobacco products to Bhutanese citizens was outlawed, making Bhutan the first nation in the world to ban tobacco sales. However, a black market in tobacco has flourished in the country despite the ban.

Terrorism

  • Security Concern: Terrorism is not a significant security concern in Bhutan.
  • Training Camps: Many insurgent groups from neighboring countries have set up training camps in the southern part of the country.
  • Government Action: In 2002, terrorist organizations such as the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF) had bases in Bhutan. The Government of India pressured Bhutan to expel the terrorists, and in December 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army launched a military campaign against them.

Royal Bhutan Police

  • Maintaining Law and Order: The Royal Bhutan Police is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country.
  • Combating Terrorism: The police force has taken various actions to combat terrorism, including sentencing individuals who helped terrorist organizations camped illegally in Bhutan.

Judicial System

  • Traditional Court System: The judicial system of Bhutan is not well-developed, and many cases are tried in a traditional court system.
  • New Penal Code: However, the Government of Bhutan has established a new penal code that includes provisions for punishment of terrorism-related offenses.

Sources

  • Consular Information Sheet: Bhutan
  • A Country Study: Bhutan Federal Research Division, Library of Congress
  • Fast forward into trouble The Guardian
  • Bhutan United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
  • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Substance Abuse Act 2005
  • Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. “Refworld | Countries at the Crossroads 2007 - Bhutan”. Refworld.
  • SATP (2019-04-23). “Bhutan: Oasis Of Peace – Analysis”. Eurasia Review.

Note: The information provided is based on various sources and may not be up-to-date or accurate.